It's kind of embarrassing to admit, but until just a few years ago, I didn't have a very regular devotional life. Sure I prayed every day. And some days a lot. I would read my Bible sometimes... or even a devotional book. But, when life got busy one of things that I would let go was my time of soul feeding. Most of us eat three meals a day. When we're busy we might skip one, or two, but we don't go a whole day without eating unless we're purposely fasting for medical or spiritual reasons. So why is it that we often soul fast for days on end? Or maybe I should say soul … [Read more...]
Today I want to remind you that no matter how difficult the day seems... God has promised rich and glorious blessings to each of us who have chosen to call him Lord. Many of those blessings come in the most unexpected ways. I'll be sharing just one here today. Early each morning, I post an inspiring greeting on Facebook. Today it was this verse: I pray also that you will have greater understanding in your heart so you will know the hope to which he has called us and that you will know how rich and glorious are the blessings God has promised his holy people. Ephesians … [Read more...]
We talk about living with joy here at An Extraordinary Day. All the time. But, it doesn't always happen, does it? What do you think is your number one joy stealer? Fretting! Let's stop for a minute and think about this. If you find yourself stewing on something, fretting about it, trying to figure out how something will or won't happen, you are expending a lot of mental energy. Wasted energy. Fretting does not produce anything other than more worry. All the fretting in the world doesn't change the outcome of a problem. Fretting is a real joy … [Read more...]
I love reading the book of Proverbs in the Bible. It's so rich with wisdom for living a good life. It's amazing how just a few sentences can open our eyes and set us on the right road. When I was in college and interviewing for my first 'real' job, I memorized Proverbs 3:5-6 from the New American Standard Bible. Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. I remember walking in to the big interview continuously repeating the words in my mind. It gave me peace, despite the trembling knees, … [Read more...]
Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind. Theodore Roosevelt Have your heard the expression talk is cheap? I think my dad used that expression when I was growing up. When I look around my world...the people who are loving, serving, and caring for others at some personal sacrifice are the people who inspire me. Great thoughts are good... but actions speak louder than words. My heart overflows with gratitude today for the benefits I have received because of the sacrifice of a friend. Several … [Read more...]
Growing up, it wasn't unusual for me to bring home an armload of books from the library on a weekly basis. One of my favorite reads was the Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maude Montgomery. I loved Anne Shirley for her joy of life, not to mention the entertaining mishaps she got herself into by living life to the full. Please "pin" this image and share it on Facebook. There are a few stories that stand out in my mind. How fitting that this quote is from one of those memorable chapters... OCTOBER was a beautiful month at Green Gables, when the birches in the hollow turned … [Read more...]
Every where you look this time of year... midst the dying...there is beauty. There's something magical about autumn light. There is more contrast. And intensity. And then there is all that brilliant color that greets us... It's as if a bird had flown through the trees with a flaming torch, igniting fire upon fire. Ever notice how individual leaves become red or golden embers illuminated by the sun? And then there is the farmers' harvest...brimming with color. Apples, pumpkins, squash, peppers, tomatoes. Our world is awash with color and texture and light. Even … [Read more...]
Have you ever wondered... If God is perfect and complete in every way....why do we praise God? Why does he need, even require, us to do that? I struggled with that concept for a long time. Because I love God and want to obey him, I praised him, but it always seemed strange to me. I didn't get it. What I did 'get' was that when I did, my outlook changed and I had a better view of life, living, and those around me. Knowing that praising produced positive things in me helped me to continue the practice. And then... I had an Ah Ha! moment. Recently in my reading I came across the wise words of two … [Read more...]
During my reading time this week, I came across a quote from a renowned preacher of the late 19th century, Charles Spurgeon. I struggled with sharing it with you for the Joy Day! post. The quote doesn't feel very joyful. It's even a bit stern. But, I couldn't shake myself from it. With that in mind...let's imagine that we are sitting at a lovely table drinking our favorite fancy coffee or tea and enjoying a tasty treat. After the usual pleasantries, indulging in the delicacies from the table, and conversational catching up, I look you in the eye and say, "I think it's time we … [Read more...]
How are you today? Really....how are YOU? Most of us trudge, or breeze, through the day. The trudging or breezing has to do with the load we carry. If we have a ton of worries and responsibilities weighing us down....trudging might be a generous term. On the other hand, when we're working within our giftedness, living with hearts filled with joy and gratitude, and spending our hours with others who build up rather than discourage....we breeze through our day and the minutes seems to fly away as easily, too. If you are one who flits through the day … [Read more...]
When I was growing up I spent a lot of time looking in the mirror. You too? Each time I glanced at my reflection I hoped that my appearance would improve. Maybe it was because we had some pretty big mirrors in our house, or maybe it was because as a tween, my parents sent me to charm school at the local department store, but between there and home, I got the message that my physical appearance as well as the way I carried myself were important. At charm school, we learned how to sit and stand and even model pretty outfits for the store's style show. We learned about fashion, the best name brands, how to … [Read more...]
How to win the mind battle. Once and for all. Today I'm sharing a simple, doable exercise to help you win that battle going on in your mind. "Once and for all?" you ask. I know...is that really possible? And then I wonder, "Who am I to suggest that this battle can be conquered once and for all?" After all, I just spent the better part of a week on the roller coaster of positive/negative thoughts. Speaking of roller coasters... I'm sure there are a number of reasons that people get on roller coasters. Many ride because it's fun. They love the exhilaration of … [Read more...]
For most of my life I would wake up in the middle of the night, briefly think about the future, and the thought of an endless forever would send me into a panic attack. It was awful. My mind just could not wrap itself around the concept of forever. Though, for the most part, I didn't have a fear of tomorrow, or next week, or even next year, that fear of the great unknown future would freak me out. Our minds are a battleground. How we direct and control our thoughts is critical. This week I read a few experts from C. S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters (affiliate link). There the demon Screwtape points out … [Read more...]
Have you ever been sitting absolutely still but found your body trembling? Were you trembling from excitement? Anticipation? Anxiety? Or maybe fear? Lately that is a state in which I often find myself. Some days it's much better than others. This week has been a mixture of joy and sadness. Over three days I was blessed to have out-of-town guests. My friend and her daughter came for a brief overnight visit, and another friend and her husband came to spend the day with us. I can't tell you what bright spots those days were in my summer. It was so good to see far-away … [Read more...]
When was the last time you said to God, "I can't get enough of you!" For most of us the thought never crosses our minds. We may wake up and thank God that we're alive, but do we bless him every time we take a breath? Probably not. Those of you who follow An Extraordinary Day on Facebook are familiar with my nightly sweet dreams post where I share a gorgeous bedroom photo and some inspirational words. I'm amazed at how many people will mention they look forward to it each night. I have to confess, putting up the lovely sleeping room photos is easy. Daily having something of … [Read more...]
Live An Extraordinary Life Are you really living? Download your 8x10 Free Printable here. If you're reading this I'm sure you're living. [wink] However, I'm not talking about whether you're breathing, though I must say, I am grateful for every breath I take. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that all we have is this present moment. Yes, we have hope for the next moment, day, week, month, year. But, in actuality, all we have is this present moment. Are you in the moment? Or, are you living in the past? ....recalling missed moments, relational regrets, and a host … [Read more...]
Have you noticed how dark it is these days? The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn't extinguish the light. John 1:5 (CEB) The news on TV, online, and even our Facebook feed is filled with bad, scary, and horrific details. We need to remind ourselves, and each other, that as dark as it gets....the darkness will not put out the light. Have you ever noticed that when the light comes on in a dark place, the light is even more bright? That's the contrast we are seeing in our world right now. People living in darkness need to see. They need … [Read more...]
